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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.